The American Land Title Association (ALTA), a national trade association that represents the land title industry, announced the appointment of Justin Ailes as the association's director of government affairs. Ailes will focus on enhancing the association's partnership with state land title associations, serve as liaison between the title industry and state government and assist ALTA's senior management at the federal level.

Before joining ALTA, Ailes was deputy federal representative for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. In that capacity, he worked with the federal government, Indiana's congressional delegation, state agency heads and the governor's policy staff to promote the governor's federal priorities. He served as a registered lobbyist and liaison between the federal government and State of Indiana.

"Justin's extensive experience and successful track record with state government will be an invaluable asset to our management team," said Kurt Pfotenhauer, ALTA's chief-executive-officer. "He will play an integral role in implementing ALTA's consumer initiative, working with state legislators and regulators to help them better understand the title insurance business and solicit feedback on how the industry can better meet the needs of consumers."

Ailes formerly served as a staff member for U.S. Senator Richard Lugar and legislative assistant in the Indiana State Senate. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Indianapolis.